Applying to college can be overwhelming, especially with the many components required for your application. With the Common App being a popular platform for college admissions, understanding how to tackle the main sections effectively is key to standing out. As you work toward your Regular Decision deadline, knowing what’s expected and how to manage your time effectively is important. Here’s a rundown of the Common App deliverables and tips for making each shine.
1. Personal Statement
The Personal Statement is one of the most important parts of your application. It gives the admissions committee insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. This is your opportunity to share your story, explain your passions, and highlight the experiences that have shaped you.
Tips for Writing a Strong Personal Statement:
Focus on storytelling: Share a personal story or moment that showcases your character, growth, and resilience. Admissions officers want to see who you are, not just what you've done.
Be authentic: Don’t try to write what you think the school wants to hear. Be genuine to yourself.
Stay within the word limit: The Common App personal statement has a 650-word limit, so make sure your essay is concise yet impactful.
Have others review: Have a trusted mentor, teacher, or professional (like Resume All Day) review your essay for feedback on clarity and impact.
2. Supplemental Essays
Many colleges require supplemental essays in addition to your personal statement. These essays evaluate how well you align with the school’s values, culture, and academic offerings. They’re your chance to demonstrate why you’re a great fit for the institution.
Tips for Tackling Supplemental Essays:
Tailor each essay: Each supplemental essay should reflect why you're interested in that specific college. Research the school’s programs, culture, and values to craft a thoughtful, customized response.
Be specific: Rather than vague statements, show a clear understanding of what the school offers and how it matches your goals and interests.
Keep it focused: Many schools have word limits for these essays (ranging from 150 to 500 words), so make every sentence count. Stick to the question being asked and answer it directly.
3. Activities List
The Activities List section of the Common App is where you can list extracurricular activities, jobs, volunteer work, and other experiences that are important to your high school career. While it may seem like a simple list, how you present it can significantly impact your application.
Tips for Your Activities List:
Prioritize impact over quantity: You don’t need to list every activity you've ever been involved in. Focus on the ones where you’ve made the most significant contributions or learned the most.
Use concise, action-oriented descriptions: Describe what you did and any notable accomplishments for each activity. Use action verbs to highlight your leadership or impact.
Don’t forget to include time commitment: Admissions officers want to know how much time you dedicate to each activity. Include your time and your level of responsibility or leadership roles.
Timelines for Regular Decision: What to Do in December and January
With Regular Decision deadlines quickly approaching (usually January 1st or 15th), staying organized and focused is crucial to submitting your best application on time. Here’s a streamlined timeline to help you get everything done before the deadline:
December:
Finalize Your Essays: Ensure your personal statement and supplemental essays are polished and ready. Focus on clarity, authenticity, and checking for errors. Ask a teacher, mentor, or professional to review your essays if you haven't already.
Update Your Activities List: Ensure your activities list accurately reflects your involvement and achievements. Be concise but specific about your contributions.
Technical Check: Double-check all sections of the Common App to ensure your personal information, test scores, and transcript details are correct and up-to-date.
Get Letters of Recommendation: If you haven’t already, confirm that your recommenders and counselor submit their letters on time.
Early January (Before Deadline):
Final Proofread: Review your entire application one last time for any errors or last-minute improvements.
Submit Early: Aim to submit your application a day or two before the official deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Confirm Submission: Check for college confirmation emails to ensure your materials have been received.
The Common App process can feel like a lot, but breaking it down into manageable pieces can make it more achievable. By focusing on personalization and seeking feedback, you can craft an application that highlights your strengths and sets you apart from the competition. Resume All Day offers college essay coaching services if you’re overwhelmed by your essays or need expert guidance to make your application stand out. I’m here to help refine your personal statement, supplemental essays, and activities list to ensure you present your best self to your dream schools. Click below to learn how I can help you navigate the Common App and create compelling, polished application materials.
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